Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/98

Rh "If you speak to me again before this very disagreeable business is finished, I shall punish you severely!" Then to the two men he said with mock courtesy, "Now, gentlemen, having heard that it would have been impossible for a spy to enter this house, I bow to your demands that it be searched. Begin, and Master Lamb and I will follow you for the better security of what I may have here that is valuable."

It can well be imagined that after such a speech the unwelcome visitors were more ill at ease than before, and in no condition to perform faithfully the work which had been delegated them by the other members of the mob.

"We are satisfied with what you have said, Master Dean, an' are willin' to go out at once," one of them replied stammeringly. "It stands to reason that the spy couldn't have got in here."

"Since you have come thus far, I insist on your finishing the work," the silversmith cried angrily. "Turn out my wife's presses of linen; overhaul the clothing belonging to the child, and make certain that you take due note of what may be in the pantry."

The master of the house literally pushed his visitors forward, and, eager to be outside once more, the men began the pretense of a search such as would not have disclosed Lieutenant